When we think of posters we often think of a traditional poster, one that is text rich and colourful. In fact, posters can be thought of a colourful or extended abstracts, based on an abstract from a report, article or that has been accepted for a conference presentation.
Abstracts are typically 200-300 words, while a traditional poster is closer to 800 words. Eight-hundred words means you can add much more detail of the context of your presentation, expand on your methods, and report and discuss your findings before giving some take away conclusions for your readers. But is it fit for purpose? Is your poster intended to share details of your project when you’re not there? Or is it a conversation starter for when you are?
Traditional text rich posters can be great for sharing details of your work in an office, department or corridor, giving readers all the information they need to understand your project when you’re not there to elaborate. However, traditional posters take time to read, typically 5-10 minutes to read from start to finish, which can be a bit intimidating or uncomfortable to do when you’re standing right next to the poster. Step forward the #BetterPoster
#BetterPoster design focuses on using streamlined text that is fast and easy to scan, using clear space to help the reader locate the take away message. #BetterPoster design uses colour blocking to place the emphasis on a project’s take away message, with discrete information bar/s containing the project abstract and any supporting information. This simplified design means it’s easy to scan a poster’s message while readers or conference delegates move quickly and easily through a poster display session, identifying the projects of interest. As such, #BetterPoster design is an effective conversation starter for when you’re there to provide more detail.
Next time you design a poster, ask yourself what the right type of poster design? Is it text-rich so that readers can take their time reading it and understanding your project when you’re not there? Or is it intended as a conversation starter, in which case the stripped-down messaging of a #BetterPoster is likely to be a better choice.